Johnson Brothers began when Frederick and Alfred Johnson, grandsons of a master potter went into business together in the heart of Staffordshire, England, in 1883.
The brothers quickly built a strong reputation, taking their products to international markets, with their ground breaking production techniques that enabled them to create tough and durable earthenware in simple, lightweight shapes.

Their rapid international success saw elder brother Henry join the business and the company moved to Stoke-on-Trent, expanding into larger more modern factories. By the early years of the twentieth century, the sons of the partners joined the family business, again due to its continued success.

Although World War One saw Johnson Bros virtually come to a halt, it was not long before it re-emerged successfully, with new patterns and shapes being introduced. Production innovations followed too – including the installation of gas-fired, tunnel kilns to replace coal-fired“bottle" ovens in the late 1940s.

By the late 1950's, Johnson Brothers had become a substantial presence in the tableware industry. The company’s dedication to high quality products earned recognition of a high order, with the granting of two royal warrants, from Her Majesty The Queen and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen’s Mother.

Innovators of their craft in terms of tableware design and production technology, the company’s success soon attracted the attention of another successful – perhaps better known – tableware company and in 1968; Johnson Brothers became a part of the Wedgwood Group, helping to form one of the largest tableware firms in the world. The Johnson family has played a major role in the Group’s development ever since.

In the course of a century, Johnson Brothers has built a proud reputation founded on commitment to superior standards of craftsmanship and to continual innovation in technology and design. From its earliest days, Johnson Brothers has always sought to create durable tableware that is attractive, practical and offering excellent value for money. Inspiration for the pattern designs is drawn from a multitude of sources – Classic English influences provide the heart of the Johnson Brothers portfolio.

Today, Johnson Brothers continues it’s tradition of high quality, craftsmanship and innovative design under the umbrella of the Waterford Wedgwood Group.